Alkaline phosphatase
From Proteopedia
Contents |
Function
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme which removes phosphate from nucleotides, proteins and alkaloids. The enzyme is most effective in alkaline environment. Human ALP is present as 3 tissue-associated isozymes: intestinal, tissue-nonspecific and placental (ALPP). ALP is a zinc and magnesium containing enzyme. ALP is a glycoprotein which is attached by a GPI anchor to cell surfaces.
Disease
High levels of ALP are associated with hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome.
Relevance
ALP is used in molecular biology to remove the phosphate at the 5' end of DNA thus preventing its self ligation. ALP activity is used in the dairy industry as a marker for successful pasteurization since it does not denature at temperatures which kill bacteria in milk.
Structural highlights
The ALP active site includes the Zn+2 and Mg+2 ions.
3D Structures of alkaline phosphatase
Updated on 29-October-2015
